Myths and Legends of the World

Satyrs

In Greek mythology, satyrs were half-man, half-beast creatures that lived
in forests and hills. Usually pictured as human above the waist and as
horse or goat below the waist, satyrs had pointed ears or horns on their
heads.

nymph
minor goddess of nature, usually represented as young and beautiful

According to some sources, satyrs were the children of goats and mountain
nymphs.
However, the Greek poet Hesiod* identifies satyrs as brothers of the
nymphs, while also calling them "good-for-nothing" and
"mischievous." Followers of Dionysus, the god of wine and
ecstasy, satyrs had a reputation for drunkenness and lewdness. They were
considered symbols of fertility and were frequently portrayed chasing
nymphs. During the festival of Dionysus in ancient Athens, satyr plays
featuring a chorus of boisterous satyrs were performed along with the
tragedies.

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